When I was writing about this week's Tarotscope, I noticed an unfamiliar aspect on the chart. I probably had encountered it earlier, but I wasn't paying much attention to it (just like I wouldn't pay attention to table manner if there's a fucking PIZZA in front of me). The shape looks like a trapezoid, formed by Uranus retrograde in Aries, Jupiter in Libra, Saturn in conjunct with the Sun in Sagittarius, and Mars in Aquarius. It seems that the aspect has been around for a while (sorry, my bad) and will be around for quite some time too.

Based on my epic Google search, the trapezoid is also known as "The Cradle" in the astrology term. It started from November, 26th until December, 19th 2016.

"The Cradle is formed when four planets are connected by three sextile aspects, two trine aspects and one opposition. It is also called a Half-Hexagon because it looks like one-half of a Grand Hexagon (Grand Sextile) configuration. The Cradle is similar in energy to the Grand Sextile.” (source: Lunar Living)

The opposition is represented by Uranus and Jupiter, while the sextile is formed by Uranus - Mars - Saturn and Sun - and ends in Jupiter. The trine aspect, on the other hand, draws a line between Mars and Jupiter, along with Saturn + Sun and Uranus. You can see the image below for a detailed illustration. In case you're wondering why Saturn and Sun are mentioned together in this article, it's because both planets are currently in a conjunction aspect, which blends both energies as one.

Today's planetary chart. Did you see the trapezoid?

The Cradle teaches us to balance the opposing with the help of the other harmonious aspects. Jupiter in Libra is pulling us closer to fruition. Once you tap its energy, it's like running to work with a donut in one hand and a Starbucks latte in another. Balance is necessary to keep your luck intact. Also known as the lucky lady, Jupiter in Libra will grant you with abundance if you are willing to take a chance in the nick of time and know how to play it cool. Jupiter in Libra wants you to be the Ferris Bueller; the charming schoolboy with a knack of rule-breaking but loved by everyone and lucky enough to get away with misadventures.

But what's stopping you, then? Retrograde Uranus in Aries will hold you back until you have mapped out everything you need to move ahead. You are passionate, but Uranus Retrograde's slow but patient pace will force you to ask yourself a lot of "Why" and examine the logical reasoning behind it instead of going ahead with the flow like Uranus Direct. Sadly, when Jupiter in Libra becomes your aim, you have to leave those rational notions behind. Because if you don't, you might miss a life-changing opportunity brought to you by the big J.

The Cradle is the astrology map you'll need to navigate you out of this confusion. The harmonious aspects (such as trine and sextile)exist to alleviate the effect of the opposite ends. On Uranus' side, we have Mars in Aquarius. If you switch the position of the planet, you'll get both planets in their respective houses. Mars is the ruler of Aries while Uranus holds the key to Aquarius. It's fascinating, isn't it? On the other hand, the Saturn and Sun in Sagittarius' energy are meant to take the edge off the jumpy Jupiter. By paying attention to the harmonious aspects, we can understand how to make the best out of the situation.

Mars in Aquarius inspires you to include flexibility in your future planning. It softens Uranus Retrograde's influence by inducing an open-mindedness to your self-restrained mind. Its trine aspect with Jupiter shows how it agrees with Jupiter's stance too. You need to be more relaxed, but you have to know why you're doing what you're doing. You'll be stubborn, but for all the right reasons. Sometimes we have to convince ourselves to take a leap when our feet have chosen to sink deep into the ground. Am I right?

On the other end, Insight Astrology called Saturn in Sagittarius as 'taming the wild horses', and I can't agree more. Saturn has this fatherly vibe that when you put it in a house filled with a bunch of party head Sagittarius, it will become your worst strict chaperone with no sense of humor. It won't stop until everyone goes to bed on time. Yup. Saturn tells you to be careful and understand the pros and the cons in everything you do.

While Saturn slows your Jupiterian progress, the Sun in Sagittarius entices you with a search for knowledge. It will ask you the same intriguing questions that Aquarius retrograde would ask, albeit childlike. These two planets are in trine aspect with Uranus retrograde, giving you a hint that to keep up with Jupiter, you have to keep your sense of wonder open. Almost like Mars' stance, the Sun knows we can run as fast as a cheetah, but we have to know where we're heading and why. Our dearest Saturn here will be our responsible speed bump, to make sure we don't abuse our speed limit too often.

When combined, the Cradle is here to give you a clue and a great learning about life. We can't be too reckless or too careful. Some choices might be necessary depending on our situation, but a caution about balance will continue to manifest itself everywhere we go. We can't afford to avert our eyes from the signs if we want to further our progress.

So what have you learned from this article so far? If you have any comments or questions about The Cradle, give me a shout out on the comment below, or tweet me!

Hello, I'm Canti!

I am a tarot reader and an eclectic witch living in Bali, providing online tarot reading and blessing service for the mindful soul-searchers. Contact me at www.foxglovetarot.com to book a private counseling session with me.

A few exciting things are happening this week. The moon is in transit in Sagittarius between Monday to Wednesday, giving you a prideful feeling of being the most knowledgeable of all. Close the weekday with a bang as the moon hops through Capricorn on Thursday and Friday, giving you a sense of responsibility and wisdom. On the weekend, look to enjoy the moon’s energy in Aquarius by giving yourself that me-time you’ve been craving for.

This week also brings into focus how you communicate and relate with others. Don’t miss the energy of the Sun in conjunct with Mercury, this planet of communication and health is deeply influenced by the outer planets from Tuesday to Thursday. I’d like to call this “The Mercury Affair” for this week’s report. With the help of Uranus, the planet of information and higher truths, your communication style should be able to better convey your actual meaning. This doesn't mean direct truths though, as the Mercury trine with Saturn gives you the ability to be diplomatic with others. Watch your words well, because it can be mistaken as an invitation for arguments. Mercury in square with Pluto often breaks relationships due to lack of communication. So make sure you’re not one of those unlucky people this week!

Aries

GeneralThis week, shift your focus in spreading love for others and to end a recurring bad cycle of getting involved in arguments. With a combination of Uranus and Mercury in your star sign, you will have an urge to prove your point. However, be careful of Mercury’s trine with Saturn and Square with Pluto from Tuesday to Thursday. You may hurt the people you love with your brutally honest words.

Career - Money - HealthWith Mercury in trine with Saturn this week, your career will get the opportunity to step up only if you make your voice heard. Patience is the best key, but don’t take too long in sitting on the problem. There will be no money problem this week, but watch out for your health because Jupiter in trine with Pluto on your House of Health can tempt you to eat carelessly.

Love (Single)Nothing will ever be truly in our favour if we refuse to balance it. This week you really don't want to be bothered with all the drama that comes with falling for someone else. Especially between Monday to Wednesday, where the influence of Uranus is strong in your houses. Time to take a break to focus on things that really matters to you right now.

Love (In A Relationship)For attached Aries, recently you long for tenderness to resurface in your relationship. You have reached a comfortable level where there’s no conflict, but the warmth is nowhere to be found at the same time. All you need is a reassurance that love still drives your boat. Communicate your worries when the Moon sits in Capricorn this Thursday. It will be tough to agree to everything, but at least you try to make things work again.

Taurus ♉️

GeneralAlthough you spend most of your time being logical and mildly obsessed with worldly possessions, you can’t be bothered to give it a priority at the moment. Your focus is in human relationships as Venus sits in your House of Friendship this week. You want to be there for your friends, lending them a hand as much as you can. Hopefully this great initiative ends with you gaining a sweet new layer of friendship.

Career - Money - HealthWith Saturn in square with Jupiter throughout the week, you will experience some conflict and obstacles in the work place, particularly with your superiors (it can be the boss or a client). As the moon frolics around your Saturn on Tuesday and Wednesday, you may take this obstacle as an attack on you personally, which lowers your self confidence. But don’t worry, your colleagues will give you the support you need during trying times between Tuesday to Thursday.

Love (Single)There’s too much speculation in your head about what happened and what will happen in the future. Mercury is in square with Pluto in your 12th House until Friday, so it’s normal for you to be very careful in how you communicate because you don’t want them to stray away. Let go of your worries and you’ll find the way to make room for love.

Love (In A Relationship)The neighbours’ grass seems greener than yours, but it doesn’t mean that their grass will grow as green in your yard too. Don’t wish for other things just because you feel that your relationship is too stagnant to function. Boredom is normal, soon enough you’ll find a way to get out of it together.

Gemini ♊️

GeneralThis week is an intense week for you as Mercury is in multiple affairs with other planets! One thing for sure is that you'll have to take things a lot seriously to seize new opportunities. As of now, Mercury in trine with Saturn from Tuesday to Thursday encourages you to see things from a bigger perspective while squaring with Pluto forces you to leave things behind. So the question is, are you ready to make that difficult decision yet?

Career - Money - HealthWith Saturn inhabiting your 7th House and Venus occupying Saturn’s 10th House, your career life is blessed by the opportunity of a mutually beneficial partnership this week. Not so much luck in increasing your reputation among others, but this partnership will result in new variations of creative ideas thrown across the meeting room.

Love (Single)So close, yet so far. You have tried so much but how come it always doesn’t seem to work out? The Sun in conjunct with Uranus and Mercury this week seems to boost your confidence, but keeps you out of touch with your heart. Channel your inner lover this Monday to Wednesday when the moon transits on your 7th House and see if they’re finally taking your call. Best of luck!

Love (In A Relationship)Moon is coming to your 7th House this Monday to Wednesday so expect a romantic night together. While Mars’ influence brings out your opinionated nature, the Saturn conjunction helps you to balance the way you communicate with your partner. Expect a fiery passionate week in your relationship, if you know what I mean. ;)

Cancer ♋️

GeneralThis week, you feel like you’ve had enough in carrying someone else’s burdens or expectations towards you. No more Mr/Mrs Nice Cancer as Saturn and Mars are in control of your 6th House. From Monday to Wednesday, you are more focused on your mental health as the moon is transiting at your House of Health. No stress can get into you, and you have all the right to be selfish. After getting the love and support you need between Thursday to Friday, it’s time to declutter on the weekend. Note down the things that stresses you and take action. It’s the only way you can find peace of mind.

Career - Money - HealthAs Mercury along with its “affairs” sits on your 10th House, you suddenly morph into a working powerhouse. With the help of the Sun and Uranus on the side, you are ready to brace the challenges. Sometimes you feel like you’ve had enough with the criticisms, but you are confident enough this week to hold your head high and move on.

Love (Single)In order to find the right one, you have to be fully in love with yourself first. This is exactly what you’ve been practicing this week, Cancer. The art of self love is as important as loving someone else. Your motto this week, “If you can’t love yourself, who will?"

Love (In A Relationship)Emotional upheaval in a relationship is inevitable, especially for the perpetually emotional Cancer. This Friday, the Moon in your 7th House together with Pluto gives you the time you need to reflect and sort things out.

Leo ♌️

GeneralThe Sun is currently in conjunct with The Mercury Affair in your 9th house, keeping you confident in words and ideas. People look up to you for advice whether you like it or not and it does help in stroking your lioness ego. Use this opportunity to help and guide others, who are not as lucky as you, to find their way. Leo’s planetary ruler is the Sun, which explains why everyone is drawn towards you for wisdom.

Career - Money - HealthThis week, your planet of career, Saturn, is in square with Jupiter, the planet of luck and expansion. It keeps you from getting enough recognition for your good hard work. For a Leo, this would be a big problem as personal recognition is something that you value the most. Keep it low for now and continue to strive for the best. You may reap the fruit of your labour in the next few weeks.

Love (Single)With moon hopping through your 5th House from Monday to Wednesday together with Mars and Saturn, expect a very ambitious yet passionate love pursuit. Your emotion gets in the way occasionally, so pay attention to how your crush will feel about it. One advice, don’t move hastily. We all know how rejection feels like and trust me, you really don’t wanna get any this week.

Love (In A Relationship)For Leos who already got their heart set, this weekend is a great time to discuss about the future with your significant other. While the moon transits on your 7th House this weekend, at the same time it creates a beautiful sextile with Saturn, Sun, Mercury, and Uranus. Although you shouldn’t make any decision so quick yet, it’s a nice day to chat about how you two can plan a spontaneous trip to Mexico or flying to Thailand for their signature cricket crackers.

Virgo ♍️

GeneralVirgo is the king/queen of perfectionism and multitasking, but this time you are exhausted of having to figure out everything by yourself. Although The Mercury Affair keeps your planetary ruler to be in trine with Saturn the ambitious, the Pluto’s influence grows stronger on you. Pluto is a transformative planet and usually gets in the way for healing purposes. This week, try to listen to your what your heart wants. It may be tough because Virgo’s mind is always busy, but it will be for the best.

Career - Money - HealthEven though your career is going up this week, you don’t really feel like you belong in the team anymore. Sometimes you feel as if your confidence self has gone on vacation when you need them the most. Saturn in square with Jupiter in your 1st House gives you a sense of feeling lost. Don’t worry, this only lasts temporary. See if you can recover yourself both physically and mentally and you’ll get back on your feet in no time.

Love (Single)You are more attuned with your sensitive side as the Moon flies through Sagittarius between Monday and Wednesday. Not only does this give you the advantage of attracting your crush by exhibiting your vulnerable side, it also preps you to take frisky actions on Thursday and Friday. That’s when the Moon is in conjunction with Pluto, forcing you to end your stagnant relationship status. Time to go steady!

Love (In A Relationship)With Venus and Neptune occupying your 7th House, there’s no other sign as loving and understanding as a Virgo this week. You seem to understand your partner without them having to convince you of anything.

Libra ♎️

GeneralEverything in your life seems to be moving in fast forward recently. With Mercury occupying your 7th House while your respective planet, Venus, occupying Mercury’s 6th House, you are on top of your networking game this week. You are eager to build relationship with others without any shy or wishy washy prep talk. This week is the best week to just hop in the bus and say, “Hey, I’m Libra. How are you?"

Career - Money - HealthNot to give you any scare or anything, but your career will not move forward if you don’t give yourself a chance to go out there and tell them who you are. The only block that you’ll have is a square with Jupiter in your 12th House, which is all the made up scenario you have in your head. Nothing really comes true unless you actually try it.

Love (Single)With the Sun stepping into your 7th House along with Mercury and Uranus, you are confident that you have found the right person and you have all the tricks under the sleeves ready for desperate times. You’re not worried that they’re going to leave you for someone else, because you know you’re irresistible for them. Yet even if they do, you’re fine being on your own anyway.

Love (In A Relationship)This week, your constant argument with your loved one has finally slowed down as you are beginning to understand each other better. The Sun, Mercury, and Uranus are lingering in your 7th House, so you have the upper hand in expressing what you want without having to lead to an argument. Your partner can be really irritating, yet you’ll still love them anyway.

Scorpio ♏️

GeneralAs Pluto, your respective planet, sits in your 3rd House, you find yourself unable to tolerate all the liars, bigots, and cheaters whenever you find one. Although it gives you the opportunity to meet the like minded people, it does give you the headache just intensely thinking about it. Pluto in square with both Uranus and Mercury in your 6th House indicates a possibility of health deteriorating due to the inability to clearly communicate this obsession. As much as possible, don’t lose your cool, okay?

Career - Money - HealthGreat news for Scorpio this week! The Saturn is currently sitting in your 2nd House, boosting your finance through your work and career. The only obstacle you have is balancing between your work and your friendship due to the square aspect between Saturn and Jupiter in your 11th House. Bad news for business owner / freelancer Scorpios. Your friends may be interested to hire you, but most likely they will ask for “friend’s price”. If you can surpass this, they will recommend you to their extended network though. So good luck in making the decision!

Love (Single)The moment you start thinking about love, the more you feel the L word shivering down your spine. Venus may be occupying your 5th House, but your Sun in 6th House has a stronger impact on your self confidence. Since you’ve been using a lot more of your brain this week, you find yourself becoming nervous when sliding into the heart's territory. Just remember that love is not only about the equal amount of take and give, it’s about doing what’s right for both.

Love (In A Relationship)It’s been a tough week but you’re so glad that you finally get that mutual understanding with your partner. The world starts to open up again and your relationship feels refreshed. Give more of your time for the couple quality time and enjoy this peaceful week without having to worry about another argument.

Sagittarius ♐️

GeneralWith Jupiter in your 10th House whilst in square with Sagittarius in your 1st House, you find that restrictions and rules in no way benefits you. Added with trine aspect with Pluto, this puts you in a position where you start to question everything. There’s an urge to rebel, to make a difference, to go against the status quo. However, to understand how the world works, you must understand that you don’t have to solve everything. Sometimes the answer to your question can be no answer at all.

Career - Money - HealthAlthough your career is doing alright since Jupiter is nicely positioned in your 10th House, you need to be careful of how you manage your finances. Money seems to be flowing in and out really easy. Whichever house the Pluto is located at helps you to see which area in your life that needs to be improved. In this case, the existence of Pluto in your 2nd House indicates that it’s time to put an end to reckless finance management.

Love (Single)Single Sagittarius have more luck in attracting new prospects than other signs this week (or until next month) as the Sun is inhabiting Aries in your 5th House. With the help of Mercury and Uranus, you’ll get back in the dating scene in no time. Uranus' strong, carefree energy has influenced you to stay in the ‘no strings attached’ area. So far it’s safer for you to stay away from the drama and potential heartbreaks.

Love (In A Relationship)Letting go of your worries is easier to be said than done. But at some point, you need to address what’s been bothering you because it’s starting to affect your loved ones as well. There’s a feeling of incapability of making them happy, along with the uneasiness thinking about the prospect of not being able to fulfil it. You’ve been doing great so far. Don’t let your own obsession tells you otherwise.

Capricorn ♑️

GeneralWith Saturn located in your 12th House while in square with Jupiter in the 9th House, your focus this week has shifted to how you can improve yourself as a person. You feel like you haven’t done much for the people around you and you can’t help but to compare yourself with some of your more successful friends. In reality, we are walking our own path individually. Your journey may take longer than others, but it doesn’t mean that you won’t go as far.

Career - Money - HealthKeeping yourself busy with work helps you to find yourself again in the process. Some events that happened in your workplace revealed some of your true nature and will help to set your future goal. Your only obstacle now is your ambition to keep the process shorter as Mars is sitting closely to your Saturn. Sometimes things take slow to get you ease into it. Just relax and let the Universe does its job.

Love (Single)It’s not easy to stay in your current position without wondering where to go next. But right now, the best way to keep things going is by staying where you are. Do not expect your crush to come up with an answer, as the best answer is the one that can be understood without words.

Love (In A Relationship)If you start to question about love, the more questionable your love is going to be. This week, your Venus is deeply influenced by the position of the curious cat Jupiter in your 9th House. All you want is a reassurance that all will end in a happy ending. But how would you know how it ends if you don’t take control of your narrative?

Aquarius ♒️

GeneralAs your Uranus turns square with Pluto in 12th House this week, you will encounter several events that makes you question your decision in life. If you’re not sure where to process from there, you can use the combined energy of Mercury and Sun this week to keep you out of making wrong decisions. The Moon will also go home to your 1st House this weekend, which helps to bolster your intuition during this trying time.

Career - Money - HealthWhen it comes to work and career, Aquarius always knows how to work independently, without being affected by what other people are saying. But this time, reach out to your colleagues to help you with your work. Currently, the best individual strength for you is the one that is built from collective effort. Do not hesitate to ask around.

Love (Single)To love is to give your 100% when needed and to give less when the other one is in charge. There should be a balance between both, instead of leaning towards to one side only. Although you are confident that you are doing this for the right reasons, pay attention to The Mercury Affair’s trine with Saturn and square with Pluto. Time to reassess how you express your concern with your crush because there’s a strong possibility that both friends will continue to stay as friends.

Love (In A Relationship)Maintaining a relationship starts to come off as a hard work for you, particularly on Wednesday, and you wish that things go a little bit easier on your part. Aquarius may seem nonchalant, but in reality, they can be very invested in their relationship. I guess this time you have to leave the small details behind and focus on what makes both of you happy. Take a short walk on the park, find some time to relax together, and you won’t find yourself entangled in it anymore.

Pisces ♓️

GeneralDon’t be too hard on yourself, Pisces! It’s a great news whenever a planetary ruler finds itself in their respective house, such as Neptune that comes home with Venus to your 1st House. However, this causes you to be in a retrospective mood, specifically in love. The moon transit in your 12th House this weekend also forces you to remember some things in the past. It may be things that you may not be fond of, but it’s important to face it in order to end a bad cycle.

Career - Money - HealthWith the help of Sun, Mercury, and Uranus, on your House of Wealth, this week money seems to pop up everywhere you look. You have a keen eye to see business opportunities during this period. Use this wisely. See if you can embrace those people who are jealous with your luck. Keep them by your side and see what happens next.

Love (Single)This week, love pursuits is not really your main priority as you are busy in satisfying your physical self. With your Sun in 2nd House in trine with Mars in 10th House, you don’t see building relationship is as important as physical pleasure. Just don’t get caught in problem caused by misinterpreted signals.

Love (In A Relationship)Venus has found its way to the Pisceans’ 1st House thus despite your current relationship state, you can’t help but to feel like you are not worth their time. Like your General reading, it’s the retrospective mood in play. I’m sure that your self-created guilt is not the actual reality. However, since Jupiter is currently ruling your 7th House, it’s best to talk this openly with your significant other to ease your worries.

Photo credit: Dominik Lange - Unsplash

Hello, I'm Canti!

I am a tarot reader and an eclectic witch living in Bali, providing online tarot reading and blessing service for the mindful soul-searchers. Contact me at www.foxglovetarot.com to book a private counseling session with me.